Top 7 Breweries In Central Virginia

1. Blue Mountain Brewery

Blue Mountain Brewery is open 7 days a week, bringing the revolution of real hand-crafted American beer to this corner of the world. Eight to ten Blue Mountain drafts are available at all times, as well as local foods and local wines for lunch and dinner.

Blue Mountain Brewery has pioneered the rural destination brewpub in Virginia, and they strive to bring the best beer, most enjoyable atmosphere and great food to each of their visitors every day.

2. Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company

Their Basecamp Brewpub is situated in the majestic valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a lodge style atmosphere. They brew authentic craft beer in their brewhouse with a traditional Germans style brewing system (eight barrel Hector liter) and pour fresh from 16 taps in the pub area. Their menu specializes in oak wood -fired, smoked dishes and local fare. They offer children their own special menu too!

Their Outpost Brewery is located in the historical community of Lexington, VA. This state of the art production facility is equipped with a 30 barrel Rolec brewing system. They are currently producing two of their flagship beers, Vienna Lager & Eight Point IPA. In addition, several series of their award winning seasonal beers will be brewed and packaged too. Inside the production brewery is their Tap Room (Beer Only) offering tours, honest pints, sampler paddles, six packs and growler fills. The Taproom features eight taps loaded with DB beers.

3. Star Hill Brewery

In the mid-90s, Master Brewer Mark Thompson returned to his native Virginia from Portland, OR, having learned two things: First, that the craft of artisanal brewing was one part science and one part art; and second, that making delicious beer was a lot cooler than anything he had ever done as a biology student. After several years of apprenticing with other master brewers, Mark was ready to begin crafting beer using his own recipes.

He found the perfect spot in Charlottesville, VA  a historic storefront on Main Street that was once home to the state of Virginias first craft brewing operation. In September 1999, Mark re-opened the doors and introduced the Starr Hill Brewery. Named after the local neighborhood, the brewery shared its historic building with the legendary Starr Hill Music Hall, and it was there that Mark’s delicious craft beers became a favorite to visiting beer lovers, musicians, and music fans from around the world. Nineteen prestigious awards later, Marks brews continue to be a hit at beer and music festivals nationwide.

4. Champion Brewing Company

Champion Brewing Company produces ales brewed on a 3-barrel Premier Stainless brewhouse. They pride themselves on producing many styles, working to perfect their flagship beers while constantly experimenting with new and old concepts including lost styles and barrel aging.

Charlottesville’s most innovative brewery is located just 2 blocks from the scenic Downtown Mall, featuring six draft lines of their many creations. They use the highest quality ingredients they can buy and try to pass the quality on in their finished beer in the Tap Room.

5. Wild Wolf Brewing Company

Wild Wolfs Brewery and restaurant opened along the Brew Ridge Trail on November 11, 2011. The 10- acre property has many unique features making it a must see destination. The experience begins with the tree lined drive twinkling with thousands of miniature lights at night. At the entrance to the restaurant the guest is treated to a true Biergarten situated under 60-year-old Siberian Elm trees, including a charming gazebo next to waterfalls and a large Koi pond.

The restaurant is situated in a 105 year old building which was the original schoolhouse for the county. The old schoolhouse has been renovated to include wrap around porches with views of the surrounding mountains as well as the charming property. As you walk through the restaurant you enter the new building, which is attached to the old schoolhouse. The new building features a lively sports bar with a large projection screen HD TV as well as two HD TVs.

6. South Street Brewery

The South Street Brewery was founded in 1998, and is housed in the renovated H. H. Hankins Hay and Grain warehouse built in the late 1800s. Old brick walls, hardwood floors and thick timber pillars provide a striking setting for their custom built brewhouse and a spacious, welcoming atmosphere in which to enjoy their fresh, handcrafted ales and lagers as well as their seasonal fare.

Their commitment to on-premises brewing ensures that only the highest quality ingredients are used and that the beer is always fresh. This commitment has earned them regional and international praise but more importantly, results in a wide selection of styles and new, creative recipes that they hope will continually have their customers discovering new favorites.

7. Three Notch’d Brewing Company

The original Three Notch’d trail runs less than a quarter mile from the location of their brewery. It only makes sense that at Three Notchd Brewing Company it is their primary goal to align their products with the rich history of Virginia and lead their patrons down the Three Notchd Road to great beer.

In doing this, Three Notchd Brewing Co. will never be as legendary as some of the most revered characters in Virginia history, but they do aim to leave their humble mark in the world of craft beer. As they evolve from their beginnings, and get to know all of you, they look forward to brewing great beer, while telling the stories of some of the greatest characters in American History  from a very unique Virginian-craft brew perspective. From Jack Jouett, to Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry; and from John Brown to Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee, their brewery will develop around bold characters that left their mark on this countrys history.